Idolized (Hollywood Stardust Book 3) (39 page)

“The movie is underfunded.” He fiddled around with his soup but didn’t eat any.

“I figured that much out.” Her business acumen kicked right in on that one. “Do you have a budget?”

He turned to her.

His blank expression didn’t tell her as much as his silence. “How did you get funding in the first place?” The first thing anyone asked for when seeking money was a budget.

“Cora.” He sighed.

“You have to tell me.” Her heart sped.

“I thought I knew a lot about this.” He took her hand and stared down at it. “I threw some numbers together, then friends funded me, people in the industry. I tossed in some myself. I had some debts and such and the movie would get behind when I was working. It sort of became a mess. I need to get back into production.”

All along she wondered how a star of Ryder’s caliber could end up needing money, needing her, but without him going further, she saw the whole picture. It was a problem one too many rich and famous got themselves into.

“Cora, I…” He shook his head. “I don’t want to be this man in your eyes. Just forget it.”

“Ryder.” At his words, the lump subsided. “We’ll work on the movie together. I want to make it happen for you. Bring me everything, and we’ll get a budget. I can hardly wait to see the script.” No matter the circumstance or the deal or whatever, she would figure out a way to make his movie.

He took her hand and kissed the back.

“Will you try to eat something?” Her appetite returning, she dug back into her meal.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Ryder staring at her. Actually, not her, but her food. “Aren’t you hungry?”

“Starving.” He scooted closer to her.

In an experiment, she cut off a little piece of the filet, dipped it in the sauce, and held her fork out to him.

Like a true carnivore, he descended upon the offering, plucked it off the fork with his teeth, fell back on the pillow, and chewed with his eyes closed.

“You’re not a vegan.” She fed herself another bite and then held another piece up for Ryder.

“It’s a very hard diet.” He leaned in to take the morsel.

Today was a day of revelations. She held it up out of his reach. “Explain yourself.”

“It started to be healthier, then the public loved it, and no one ever wondered about me.” He grabbed her wrist and guided the fork to his mouth.

Yes, she had heard rumblings about Logan taking the wrap for Ryder’s drug use when he was a teenager. His ruse almost made sense, and it definitely made sense in Ryder’s world. He was the dream, the good boy, the one who adopted dogs and didn’t eat meat.

“So now I’m your supplier?” She gave him some more.

“That’s not what I would call you.” He put the plate aside and took her into his arms.

Powerless, she cuddled up against him. “What would you call me?”

He turned her to her back, moved over her, and stared into her eyes. “Mine.”

She cursed the delightful spin in her stomach.

“I can be me when I’m with you, I can be real, and you’re mine.” He gave her a light kiss.

Maybe his deceptions weren’t intended to deceive her, maybe they were his way of telling her his truth. Or maybe that was what he wanted her to think. In truth, he seemed to be the only one she could be real with as well. Either way she found herself wrapping his arms around neck, only to encounter something sharp cutting into her. “Oh!” She flinched and pulled her arm back, the little sparkle imbedded in her skin, displaying another tiny shard of glass.

“Oh damn baby, I’m sorry.” He plucked the glass off her, and kissed the spot. “This glass keeps appearing.”

Yes, little shards of glass had a way sneaking up. She hoped they didn’t find any more because she cared too much.

HOLLYWOOD STARDOM

FADE IN:

INT. ARIZONA – LOCATION SHOOT – EVENING

STEVEN is in his trailer with the PRODUCER.

PRODUCER

The movie is turning out good.  I’m happy with the progress, especially once you got your star back.

STEVEN

(Nods)

She’s hitting her mark now.

PRODUCER

Will you only work exclusively with her?

STEVEN

(Leans back on the couch)

What are you getting at?

PRODUCER

(Leans forward)

You know exactly what I’m asking.  If I had some opportunities that wanted you to work with a different lead actress would that be an issue?

STEVEN

(Runs his hand through his hair and takes a breath)

What kind of opportunity?

PRODUCER

The kind of opportunity that nets the director seven figures and little gold statues.

STEVEN

We’re not married.

(He turns away.)

The door to the trailer opens and ROXY enters.  Both STEVEN and the PRODUCER face her but remain quiet.  The PRODUCER sits back.

ROXY stops in the door way and looks between them.

ROXY

(Holds onto the door)

Is this boys only?

STEVEN

(Glances over at the PRODUCER)

Of course not, we were just finishing discussing the dailies.

PRODUCER

(Stands)

We’ll talk later.

(He walks by STEVEN pats his shoulder and then nods at ROXY on his way out.)

ROXY

(Closes the door and goes to the STEVEN)